The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Delhi government to formulate guidelines pertaining to the regulation of banquet halls across the city, while stating that violation of environmental norms has an adverse effect on public health.
A Bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel said, “The Delhi government may also have consultation with the Central Pollution Control Board and within a broad framework of pan-India guidelines, the government can have its own guidelines to suit the local requirements to mitigate the adverse impact on environment and public health in the light of the orders already passed by the tribunal.”
The observations came following the State government’s submission that a noise regulatory mechanism was developed and norms for waste disposal and installation of CCTV cameras were laid down.
The Bench observed, “The action plan also covers regulation of extraction of groundwater, rainwater harvesting, regulation of size of gatherings and action against unauthorised establishments and recovery of environmental compensation.”
The directions came while the panel was hearing a plea moved by Westend Green Farms Society which alleged that banquets and marriage halls operating in Mahipalpur and Rajokri near the international airport, were causing vehicular congestion and pollution.
Earlier, the NGT had directed forfeiture of a performance guarantee of ₹5 crore deposited by the Delhi government, while observing that the compliance report furnished by the government was not satisfactory.
